CEO Update January 2021 - Setting the Scene for 2021
Hi Everyone
Welcome to the first edition of the GIA News for 2021, which is just an update from me. The first full version of the news will be delivered on 11 February.
After the very challenging year of 2020, one thing that is certain, is that the uncertainty created by COVID-19 will continue in 2021. Therefore, it will be vital for all businesses to demonstrate a COVID-Safe workplace, over and above all the other workplace health and safety compliance requirements. We will also need to be able to continue to adapt quickly to any changes in the COVID-19 operating environment.
The Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) Board met today for the first time in 2021. This is the first of six meetings planned for the year in the ‘odd’ months of the year. The meeting was a strategic scene setting for GIA for 2021 and discussing and addressing the key activities and actions for the Advocacy, Promotion, Sustainability, Careers and Funding imperatives. Please let me know from your business and industry perspective if there are any national strategic issues that should be brought to the attention of the Board.
After initially accepting the offer to be a Director on the GIA Board, Helen Milliner has had to decline to take up the role due to a job opportunity. The job is with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) leading their ANZ and Pacific Plastic Pact initiative for more circular plastics packaging economies in the Pacific region. While disappointing, the appointment is fortuitous, given the recent successful grant application by GIA with APCO for polypropylene plant packaging recycling (PoPPr) program. Helen will then still have direct engagement with GIA and the industry on the PoPPr program.
The Board also acknowledged the awarding of the Order of Australia to Graham Ross in the Australia Day Honours earlier in the week. This is a just reward and acknowledgement to Graham for his significant service to the broadcast media, particularly horticulture, and to the community. Well done Graham and keep up the good work promoting the importance of horticulture and gardening.
Other areas of work and activities that will be progressed early in 2021 include:
GIA and State NGI Association Member Working Relationship
We will continue to convene regular meetings with State NGI Executives, as conducted in 2020, to maintain the strong working and membership relationship with the State NGI Association Members. There are activities to be conducted on a national level and a state level and the meetings provide the opportunity to discuss and work through those areas of delineation.
The meetings were conducted weekly at times during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions but has settled into a fortnightly pattern that will be continued in 2021. Some of the areas to be progressed jointly in the new year include member engagement, industrial relations, Trade Day workshop, APPS, ACGAS and plastic recycling project. Glenn Fenton also has regular interactions with the State NGI Presidents to ensure they are aware of GIA activities.
GIA Website
One the biggest initiatives nearing completion is the launch of the new GIA Website. The team has been working to upload information and update the national content for the site to modernise our image, raise awareness and improve the profile of the Greenlife industry and streamline the functionality of site. The new site will feature:
- Member logins enabling businesses to control their profiles
- A member portal where exclusive resources will be available for Members.
- News content which can be easily searched via filters.
- Easy to navigate pages and more.
Greenlife Industry Australia – Levy Funded Projects
GIA is currently involved with five levy funded R&D projects directly – Biosecurity, Statistics, Communications, Careers, and Improving Pest Management. Regular updates on activities and outputs will be provided through GIA and the Your Levy @ Work communications channels. We will also maintain a watch on the levy funded Greener Spaces Better Places and Plant Life Balance marketing activities to ensure we capture and leverage opportunities for member businesses and the industry generally.
Nursery Industry Strategic Investment Plan (SIP)
The next iteration of the levy funded SIP is to be developed in early 2021 to guide R&D and marketing investments for the next five years. The nursery industry SIP will run for five years which equates to an approximate $17.5m investment and the importance of having a well consulted and professionally developed investment strategy should not be underestimated. We will keep you advised of opportunities to contribute to the development of the SIP.
Associations Forum Conference
GIA is a member of the Associations Forum which is the association for associations. As part of GIA’s continuous improvement as an industry association body, several staff attended relevant sessions at the on-line Associations Forum Conference during December. The key themes of the presentations and panel discussions was the impact of COVID-19 key association operational areas including membership, advocacy, partnerships, sponsorships, events, communications, finances, marketing, governance, management and education and training.
We will use the lessons from the Conference to support, assist and modify how we operate going forward. One key message was that we (member businesses, GIA, State NGIs, partners, other industry stakeholders) will need to continue to work and adapt to an ever-evolving operating environment, which is influenced by a changing Government (Federal, State, Local) framework, to maximise business and industry performance.
GIA e-news
A reminder that the first GIA news for 2021 will be distributed 11 February. Watch out for the news stories hosted on the GIA’s new website.
As always, please contact me ceo@greenlifeindustry.com.au if you have any comments, questions, and ideas for GIA to pursue in 2021. I look forward to working with you in continuing to promote and grow the industry.
Regards
Peter Vaughan
CEO - Greenlife Industry Australia